by Peniel Public Relations Director, Durean Coleman, was invited as a guest on the “Sunday Magazine” radio talk show hosted by Jessica Taylor on Cool 101.7FM. The two discussed the nature of addiction, the restoration Peniel offers for those that are struggling and Peniel’s outlook of hope for our community. The full interview can be heard here. …

by When I joined the team of Peniel in October of 2013, I had no idea how radically my life would be changed. I felt at the time, and still believe, that God placed me here. At last, I would be able to give back something to those affected by the devastation of addiction! But, …

by Crystal, whatever happened to us? We used to be the couple that everyone wanted to be around, but now look at us. You can keep the black roses. From the very first time I met you I was in love. Everything else I knew faded when was in your presence. What are you doing …

by You took something from me and I want it back. My days are long, dark and lonely when you are present. My smile is no longer on my face and I act out of character. What happened to those days when I would talk on the phone with family and friends for hours? Those days …

by I was controlled by addiction for 23 years, which entrapped me inside a never ending, torturous maze of drug use. I felt there wasn’t a map available to lead me to an escape. Before coming to Peniel I had spent 90% of my adult existence caged within a prison cell. Loneliness and anger were …

by The long anticipated release of Dr. Marion Spellman’s publishing debut is upon us! “Restoring Broken Lives, The Marion Spellman Story” is the incredible true story of a visionary set on accomplishing her life’s mission. Dr. Spellman recounts the various joys, trials, pains and gains of birthing and growing an effective, life-changing Christian treatment program. …

by Why Coming To Peniel Could Be The Best Decision You Will Ever Make Ten Reasons You will study the greatest book ever written … The Holy Bible. You will re-discover the one thing that you need most in your life—LOVE. You will learn that now you can stop running. No need to look over …

You took something from me and I want it back. My days are long, dark and lonely when you are present. My smile is no longer on my face and I act out of character.

What happened to those days when I would talk on the phone with family and friends for hours? Those days when I went to the playground with my children and we would swing for what seemed like days. I remember those strong teachings from my mother and my father, and also the good childhood memories . . . but now they are replaced with rebellion and reckless thoughts.

My goals and dreams are no longer at the forefront of my mind. They have been replaced with the thought of, “I just need one drink so I can escape.” What happened to life? I thought I had it all figured out.

I was controlled by addiction for 23 years, which entrapped me inside a never ending, torturous maze of drug use. I felt there wasn’t a map available to lead me to an escape. Before coming to Peniel I had spent 90% of my adult existence caged within a prison cell. Loneliness and anger were my best friends. I suffered self-inflicted torment and longed for inner peace. I had zero respect for authority and often isolated while entertaining myself with negative self-talk and intense drug use. For most of my life, I considered myself a failure, born only to suffer, yet possessing great potential, but I was forever lacking self-confidence and the courage needed to step out of my comfort zone to achieve greatness. I was paralyzed with fear and spent decades drowning in self doubt. I believed that I was worthless and would never amount to anything. At least that’s what the enemy wanted me to believe.

Since coming to Peniel, I have chosen to believe the word of God, which states,

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity”
(Jeremiah 29:11-14 NIV).

After dedicating my life to the Lord, amid questioning and much concern, I enrolled into Lee University, one of the online college programs available at Peniel. For the first time ever, I was about to step out of my comfort zone, therefore, I prayed daily for wisdom and understanding.

Shortly after completing an English Writing assignment, my professor who is a true blessing, pushed me to have the essay published in the Church of God Evangel, a national monthly magazine. Although I believed this would be a complicated undertaking, I invested into making the publication a reality. Everything quickly fell into place and my essay will be published in this year’s November issue. I still do not understand why this is happening. To me it’s just a simple writing assignment but God has His plans for it. Seeing that I have the ability to achieve the impossible or unattainable has established God confidence within me. Having the Evangel publish my work is a tremendous accomplishment for me, and with the help of my Abba, I believe it is one of many more to come.

It wasn’t the Evangel itself that shattered all doubts but God! He has proven himself many times over, displaying His unconditional and incomprehensible love for me. This has fixed my heart on Him and my life will never be the same. When all I could see was the worst in me, He saw the best. When everyone in my life gave up on me, He never did.

I will always remember December 7, 2014, the day I saw God face to face. I was changed forever by this intimate experience. I am no longer a slave to my anger or my addiction. Relationships have been restored as well as my own life. I now believe in myself and I boldly stand sold out for Jesus Christ.

Through Peniel I was afforded the opportunity to enroll at Lee University and begin my journey of living out my dream as a medical professional. I am now pursuing a degree in radiology and without Peniel none of this would have been possible. Peniel is the best tool belt for someone who is exhausted and broken due to addiction. Peniel has established a profound change within me. A change that has truly saved my life. Today, I stand proud of who I am and I look forward to my future when before I couldn’t see past myself. God has begun a work in me I cannot yet put into words; all I can say is that I am an unfinished comeback story!

Peniel has been invited to participate in this years “Chillin’ For Charity” event held on February 14, 2015. We are excited about this unique opportunity to raise funds for treatment at Peniel and to raise awareness about the drug problem we are facing.

We are extremely proud to be a part of the effort to turn the tide on the addiction problem in our area. Peniel has been fortunate to work with the judicial system, law makers and local law enforcement in a concerted effort to make a difference in our community. All of our efforts are made possible only by the financial support of people who are dedicated to helping those in need. Please help support Peniel Residential Drug-Alcohol Treatment Center by making a donation through our fundraising page.Keep in mind, you don’t have to take the plunge to give –you can simply go to our page and make a donation.

If everyone reading this post donated just $20, the impact made would affect hundreds of lives who need our help and the ripple effects throughout those families and our community would be immeasurable. Every dollar makes a difference!Every dollar makes a difference!

You can give securely online through our “Chillin’ for Charity” page. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!